The relationship of central and peripheral retinal changes with degeneration of the brain

A fully funded (UK/EU tuition fee) PhD studentship is available in the laboratory of Dr Imre Lengyel to study clinical and experimental imaging, image analysis and molecular and cellular characterisation of pathological changes associated with different forms neuronal degeneration in the brain. The student will gain hands on experience using state of the art clinical ophthalmology imaging facilities at the Norther Ireland Clinical Research Facility and the use of similar imaging technics for animal retinal imaging at the Small animal imaging CTU.

Alongside the student will carry out morphological and molecular characterisation on sectioned animal and human eyes at the Advanced Imaging CTU at the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine. This multidisciplinary project is looking for a highly motivated and committed student who want to explore novel approaches to uncover the relationship between retinal and brain changes. Ability and willingness to work with patients with different mental abilities and willingness to work with animals is essential.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a 2:1 or higher Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant biomedical or life sciences subject.

English Language

Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English should produce evidence of their competence through a qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL score.

The minimum recommended score for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science is:
• IELTS score of 6.0 with not less than 5.5 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years;
• TOEFL score of 80+ (internet basted test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of; Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17);
• A valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B;
• A valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A; or
• A first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking.

For a list of English Language qualifications also accepted by the School and University please see the following link:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/#English

The English Language Unit (ELU) offers both pre-sessional and in-sessional courses in English for academic purposes and study skills. Courses vary in length and full information can be obtained from the ELU http://www.qub.ac.uk/tefl/